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Cyprus negotiations

Today, the decades-old Cyprus conflict and the 50-year-long negotiations to resolve it have reached a historic end. This is because of the Greek Cypriot side’s inability to demonstrate the necessary political will to resolve it on the basis of a bi-communal bi-zonal federation with political equality and a new partnership. This is not an assessment made only by the Turkish Cypriot side, but also by other objective sources, among them the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who witnessed his plan fail on account of Greek Cypriot rejection in the historic referenda of April 2004, as well as a former Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Rolandis, who publicly stated that it was the Greek Cypriot side that rejected at least 15 UN plans for a settlement over the years.

By contrast, the Turkish Cypriot side has consistently, and with all of its energy, supported all efforts to find a fair, just and sustainable solution based on mutual respect, political equality, bi-zonality, bi-communality and a new partnership – an entirely reasonable expectation by international standards and fully consistent with the UN parameters established over decades of negotiation. In doing so, the Turkish Cypriot side has acted on the basic and internationally accepted premise that Cyprus is the common home of the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots whose relationship is not one of majority and minority but one of two equal peoples in the island of Cyprus. This is in stark contrast to the Greek Cypriot side’s long-held claim that Cyprus is a Hellenic land in which the Turkish Cypriots, at best, are entitled to minority status.

Hence, the concrete demonstration of flexibility, conciliation and constructive approach displayed by the Turkish Cypriot side has never been reciprocated by the Greek Cypriot leadership, who, time after time proved to be hostage to popular myths that they themselves have helped to create. They employed tactics to obstruct all efforts towards reconciliation and to prolong the negotiation process to serve their own domestic political agenda – a tactic which has surfaced once again during this last phase in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Yet, we do not believe that this is a time to apportion blame but rather the time to face the realities on the ground. As the 50-year-long negotiation process has shown beyond doubt, the respective positions and the visions of the two sides on the resolution of the Cyprus issue are diametrically opposed and a whole new approach must be adopted particularly by the international community regarding the peaceful co-existence of the two peoples on a side-by-side basis.

For its part, the Turkish Cypriot people have faced an unjust and inhuman isolation, restrictions imposed on them at the instigation of the Greek Cypriot side, which hamper our fundamental human rights. If the healing process will start in Cyprus, it must begin with the removal of these unwarranted and undeserved restrictions which serve no other purpose than embitter the relationship between the two peoples and further deepen the lack of trust and confidence.

Geography compels the two politically equal peoples of Cyprus to be good neighbours and find mutual accommodation to their problems. All efforts to do this through a federal partnership having failed, we must now direct our efforts to finding new and realistic ways to promote mutual respect and peaceful co-existence as good neighbours. This is both our vision and responsibility to future generations.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

Çavuşoğlu: “Unfortunately, Cyprus reunification talks have failed”

In a press conference following yesterday’s meeting in Crans-Montana, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said that the Conference on Cyprus has failed and negotiations have ended, as was previously announced by the UN Secretary-General.

Çavuşoğlu said that Turkey has contributed in various ways during the last 15 years to finding a fair and comprehensive solution for the Cyprus problem, both ahead and during the conference in Geneva last January and the conference in Crans-Montana.

Çavuşoğlu said, “The Turkish Cypriot side always did their utmost at the negotiating table to find a fair and permanent solution. Mr. Akıncı and the negotiating team took the same approach as the team who worked during the previous periods. Unfortunately, the Cyprus talks in Crans-Montana failed despite all the efforts”.

He added that this outcome shows the impossibility of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem within the parameters of the UN Good Offices Mission.

Referring to the statement made by the UN Secretary-General, Çavuşoğlu said, “There is no point in insisting on these parameters any longer.”

Answering questions about what the next steps will be, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said that future developments would be determined after consultations with the Turkish government and President, as well as with the TRNC government and President Mustafa Akıncı.

Guterres: “Unfortunately, the Conference on Cyprus was closed without an agreement being reached”

In a statement following a five hours meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that the Conference on Cyprus was closed without an agreement being reached.

He said, “The Conference was closed without the possibility to bring a solution to this dramatic and long-lasting problem”.

Guterres thanked the leaders of the two communities and expressed his appreciation and best wishes for all Cypriots in the north and south of the island.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

Akıncı: “Greek Cypriot proposals do not bring anything new to the table”

President Mustafa Akıncı has stated that the proposals presented by the Greek Cypriot side are not new and will not themselves lead to a solution.

Akıncı evaluated the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ return to Switzerland as a positive development but he said that the visit should not be treated as a charm offensive.

President Akıncı compared the Greek Cypriot side, which leaked information to the press before offering their proposal yesterday, to the Turkish Cypriot side, which did not leak any documents.

He was answering journalists’ questions following the eighth day meeting of the Conference on Cyprus.

Pointing to the importance of today’s meeting, Akıncı explained that the UN Secretary-General will come to Crans-Montana for the second time. Akıncı said, “We are pleased with his visit, as you know. There was a framework that he revealed at his first arrival. It is understood that there will be intensive work to bring about the continuation of the framework tomorrow. There will be bilateral, five-party and separate meetings”.

“Tomorrow must be a decisive day for Cyprus. We are hoping that Thursday will be an intense and productive day for all people in Cyprus,” Akıncı said.

President Akıncı reiterated that the proposal from the Greek Cypriot side would not bring about a solution, as there was nothing new in it.

Meanwhile, President Mustafa Akıncı met with the Minister of State for Europe and America for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Alan Duncan. Negotiator Özdil Nami and the negotiating delegation accompanied President Akıncı at the meeting. Jonathan Allen, the Director of National Security at the Foreign Office was also present at the meeting.

Denktaş and Ertuğruloğlu met with Çavuşoğlu

Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Denktaş and Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, who are in Crans-Montana for the Conference on Cyprus, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to evaluate the latest developments within the scope of the Conference on Cyprus.

Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that the Republic of Turkey is continuing negotiations steadfastly at the table in order to secure a solution and protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the island.

Çavuşoğlu: “No progress has been made due to all sides waiting for each other’s positions”

Stating that there has not been “much” progress so far in the ongoing Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said that no progress has been made due to all sides waiting for each other’s position.

Çavuşoğlu made a statement to Turkish and Greek Cypriot journalists following the conference which was held at the Le Regent Congress Centre.

Although many meetings were held on the 8th day of the conference, Çavuşoğlu said that while the UN Secretary General is due to return to Switzerland today again [Thursday], unfortunately there has not been “much” progress.

Çavuşoğlu added: “The overall “picture” of the conference will become clearer with the participation of United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres in the conference today. There is no need to waste time”.

“We haven’t seen the proposals from the other side yet. Regrettably, the press saw them before us. It is not a fair stance, or conducive to the negotiations, to share proposals with the press before sharing them with us. We see that the Greek Cypriot side is playing to the crowd. If they were real and serious proposals then first they would have been shared with the participants at the table. Sharing the proposals with the press and then saying we brought forward proposals means playing to the crowd” Çavuşoğlu said.

Guterres participates in Conference on Cyprus today

In a statement to the press, the Spokesperson of the Office for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric said that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is travelling to Switzerland today [Thursday] to attend the Conference on Cyprus. The Spokesperson said that Guterres will participate in today’s meetings in Switzerland, after the parties requested his return to the conference.

Guterres had participated in the meetings in Crans-Montana last week and asked all sides to seize this opportunity to find a solution. Earlier this week, political leaders from the TRNC called on the UN Secretary-General to return to Crans-Montana and intervene on the Conference on Cyprus.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini also returned to Crans-Montana.

Prime Minister Özgürgün receives Taekwondo athletes

Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün received Linda Parker, the Chairman of the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF), along with the athletes who will compete in the Taekwondo and Judo Europe and Intercontinental Championship. In his speech, the Chairman of Taekwondo Federation Eyüp Zafer Gökbilen said that, this year, the Taekwondo Championship will take place in Kyrenia, with the support of Prime Minister Özgürgün. A total of 190 athletes from 16 countries will attend the championship. The two-day competition will be held at the Eurasia Taekwondo Center and will start at 10:00am.

Parker underscored the importance of such events for the TRNC and said that the organization is therefore committed to supporting similar initiatives in the future.

Özgürgün stressed that such global events were key in overcoming the sporting embargoes imposed on the TRNC, and expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the team of organizers.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

Akıncı: “Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey making the utmost effort within the framework determined by Guterres”

President Mustafa Akıncı said that Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey are making the utmost effort within the framework determined by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to reach a settlement in Cyprus.

Akıncı was responding to questions from the press following yesterday’s Cyprus conference. Akıncı said, “I have always told you the truth. Today’s reality is that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey are making the utmost effort for a solution within the framework determined by Guterres for reaching a solution in Cyprus”. Akıncı also added that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ arrival in Switzerland would be helpful.

Çavuşoğlu: “There must be a conclusion at this final-round Cyprus conference in Crans-Montana”

Stating that the ongoing Cyprus Conference is the “last conference” for a solution, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has made clear that there must be a conclusion at this round in Crans-Montana.

Minister Çavuşoğlu made a statement to journalists following the latest round of meetings at the Swiss resort where the Cyprus Conference is ongoing.

Noting that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots came to the conference with good intentions and have made the utmost efforts in this direction since the Crans-Montana talks began, Çavuşoğlu added, “We know what we want and we have discussed our stance, and our red lines, since the very beginning. If there is to be a solution, a decision will need to be made this week.”

The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres participated in the conference last week and created a framework for discussions. Çavuşoğlu said: “We have repeatedly pushed for all topics to be discussed simultaneously and in a package format in order to save time. We have shown good intentions and flexibility but this needs to be reciprocated. Unfortunately, we have not seen any positive response from the other side. We have also unfortunately seen the leaking of some confidential documents despite express promises to the contrary”.

Çavuşoğlu emphasised that the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot side’s good intentions must be reciprocated from the other side, and for them to also approach this process with sincerity.

Political parties jointly call for “intervention” from Guterres

Turkish Cypriot political party leaders, who are in Crans-Montana for the Cyprus Conference, called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to return to the talks to intervene as soon as possible.

A joint statement was prepared by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Serdar Denktaş, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Turfan Erhürman and Social Democratic Party (TDP) leader Cemal Özyiğit who are in Crans-Montana.

The statement noted that the political parties have been closely following the developments that had been taking place in Crans-Montana and have come to the realisation that the talks have reached a deadlock.

“In order to overcome the deadlock and in order for an outcome to be reached without any further delay we have come to the understanding that we need to display a unified position on behalf of all parties on North Cyprus” noted the statement.

Drawing attention to the fact that after the UN Secretary General came to Crans-Montana he was able to persuade both sides on the need to come to an agreement on the methodology, which led to much progress in the talks, the statement noted that, in spite of this, the second week of the negotiations began with a very different atmosphere compared to the end of the talks last week.

“If the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres does not return to the talks in Crans-Montana to mediate and intervene, then we fear it will not be possible to conclude the talks” the statement concluded.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

Stating that the Rotating Presidency cannot be matter up for bargaining in the ongoing negotiations, Speaker of the Assembly Sibel Siber stressed that it is not possible to step back on “active participation in resolutions”.

Siber made the evaluation on the BRT live broadcast regarding the ongoing Cyprus negotiations in Crans -Montana.

Siber reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot people have maintained their will to find a solution from the past to the present, and that her wish is to reach a viable solution.

Emphasizing that the negotiations to find a solution on the basis of a federation have been ongoing for a half century, Siber said that if the conference does not end with a positive result, parties understand that it will not be possible to find a solution. Siber stressed however that motivation is high to find a solution.

Siber pointed out that both President Akıncı and Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu have said that the conference will be the last chance.

Adding that it is important to reach a viable solution based on bi-zonality and political equality, Siber underlined that any solution must be incorporated into EU primary law.

Noting that EU citizens benefit from free movement, free settlement and property acquisition in EU countries, Siber stated that if derogation does not take place, a bi-zonal and bi-communal solution will be out of question.

Regarding the UN Secretary-General’s statement that the parties should agree on a rotating presidency in a federal solution, but the issues of extended veto rights at the federal level and decision-making should not be overshadowed, Siber stated the rotating presidency cannot be matter of bargaining and stressed that it will not be possible to step back on active participation in resolutions.

Parties present package proposals to the UN

The guarantor countries Turkey, Greece and the UK, have submitted their package proposals to the UN on the issue of Security and Guarantees, while the Turkish Cypriot side and Greek Cypriot side have submitted package proposals covering all issues. The UN will give one copy of the package proposals of the parties to all sides. The Security and Guarantees part of the packages will be distributed to the five parties.

Following yesterday’s Cyprus conference, responding to questions from the press , President Akıncı said “We are working and we will continue to work”.

President Mustafa Akıncı met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu at a working lunch yesterday 3rd July 2017.

Akıncı and Çavuşoğlu discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus Conference and exchanged their views. They also met at a working lunch the day before upon the invitation of Akıncı.

Kurtulmuş: “Turkey will not step back on security and guarantee issues before the Turkish Cypriot community’s status on the island is guaranteed”

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesperson Numan Kurtulmuş has stated that Turkey will not step back on security and guarantee matters before the Turkish Cypriot community’s status on the island is guaranteed.

Kurtulmuş also said the matter of maps and territory could be handled within the scope of Turkey’s approach on security and guarantees.

Kurtulmuş, who made a statement to the press, also answered questions from journalists, and mentioned the Cyprus issue. On the other hand; Kurtulmuş emphasized that Turkey always supports a fair, permanent and comprehensive settlement as well.

Kurtulmuş said: “A certain point in the negotiations has been reached, and Turkey will not step back on security and guarantee matters before the Turkish Cypriot community’s status on the island is guaranteed.”

“Turkey will not change its position,” Kurtulmuş added.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

President Mustafa Akıncı said, “We are trying to do our best for future generations, that’s why we are focused on our responsibilities. We are here to take the Turkish Cypriot people and our island to a better future in peace. I hope our determination to finding a solution is not unreciprocated”.

Akıncı, who is in Crans-Montana for the Cyprus conference, made a written statement yesterday.

In his statement, Akıncı said, “On 28 June 2017, two parallel groups began to work in Crans-Montana. We want this Cyprus Conference to be the final conference. That’s why we did not approve the proposal of the Greek Cypriot side to transfer some issues to the technical committees”. Akıncı also added that the decision to discuss important issues together as a package and solve them was made last Friday with the participation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “Within this framework, we are continuing to work on our initiatives with our political parties, the Turkish Foreign Minister and his colleagues to reach an agreement based on bi-zonality, bi-communality and political equality of both sides” President Akıncı said.

Furthermore, Akıncı stressed the importance of this week and said that it will be of vital importance for Cyprus and the region.

As part of the preparatory work for the Cyprus conference, Akıncı met with Deputy Prime Minister and DP Leader Serdar Denktaş, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, political party leaders and deputies yesterday. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, CTP Leader Tufan Erhürman, TDP Leader Cemal Özyiğit, Deputies Armağan Candan and Zeki Çeler and Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu from the UBP also participated in the meeting.

Özgürgün: “Güzelyurt has been part of the Turkish territory since 1974, and it will continue to be Turkish territory”

During his inaugural speech at the Güzelyurt Orange Festival, Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün said that Turkish Cypriots will never give up on Turkey’s full and effective guarantee on the island.

Discussing the ongoing Cyprus talks and the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades’ statement saying that a solution will not be possible until Güzelyurt is returned, the Prime Minister said that the Greek Cypriot leader should never talk about Güzelyurt again and that many investments have been made there. “Güzelyurt has been part of the Turkish territory since 1974, and it will continue to be Turkish territory” Özgürgün added.

Underlining the fact that on the second day of the conference in Crans-Montana, it was shown that the Greek and Greek Cypriots’ real intentions were to deprive the Turkish Cypriot people from motherland Turkey’s guarantees, and that their stances never show the will to find a solution, Prime Minister Özgürgün said, “We will never give up on motherland Turkey’s full and effective guarantee on the island”.

Parties will present package proposals to the UN today

In a statement, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said that in a “positive, results-oriented” meeting between Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Heads of Delegation last Friday night, a clear understanding emerged on the essential elements of a package that could lead to a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus. Following Guterres’ initiative to make the ongoing Cyprus Conference in Crans-Montana a decision-oriented Conference it was reported that at today’s five party meeting, five different package proposals will be submitted.

According to reports, the three guarantor countries (Turkey, Greece and the UK) will discuss Security and Guarantees on the basis of written proposals, and present to the UN.

The Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides will also hand their proposals to the UN on strategic issues that need to be resolved. The package proposals to be presented by the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides will consist of specific issues, including the “Security and Guarantees” chapters, to be addressed to reach a new federal partnership based on the equality of the two constituent states.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

We welcome the statement of H.E. Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, made on 29 June 2017, and thank him, particularly for clearly stating, once more, the decisive position of Turkey regarding the vital issue of security and guarantees.

As is well known, the Turkish Cypriot people regard the concrete and effective guarantee of Turkey as indispensable, both in terms of the viability and sustainability of a possible settlement, as well as for the very sustainability of the Turkish Cypriot people. In this regard, the statements of Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu to the effect that the “zero soldiers, zero guarantees” approach of the Greek Cypriot side and Greece cannot even constitute a starting point and is unacceptable; that their demand that “the guarantee system should be totally abolished and the Turkish army should withdraw” is an illusion which they should abandon; and that the conference in Crans-Montana should be the last attempt, should be taken into full consideration by all relevant parties.

It will be recalled that President Akıncı has also stated that this conference is the last and decisive effort. President Akıncı has further underlined that this is not a conference solely on security and guarantees and that it is a “Cyprus Conference” covering all six chapters. On the other hand, the reaction of the Greek Cypriot side and political parties to Mr. Çavuşoğlu’s statement is yet another case of distortion and political posturing and is totally unacceptable. It is in fact well known that the Greek Cypriot side has attempted to distort the purpose of the conference and started a blame-game even before the commencement of the conference. What is happening now is the continuation of this campaign, which is concrete proof that they have come to the Crans-Montana meetings not to reach a final result, but to cause deadlock and render it inconclusive. ​ At a time when the process has reached its final stage as is accepted by all concerned, we condemn this intransigent attitude of the Greek Cypriot side and expect them to adopt a more constructive and result-oriented approach.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu who is in Crans-Montana for the Cyprus Conference, held an evaluation meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavuşoğlu yesterday. The Foreign Ministers evaluated the latest developments within the framework of the Cyprus conference and exchanged views.

President Akıncı holds meeting with Eide and Allen

President Mustafa Akıncı met with the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide yesterday. They evaluated the works of two parallel meetings at the Cyprus Conference.

President Akıncı also met with the Acting Director General, Defence and Intelligence at the British Foreign Office Jonathan Allen. The latest position reached during the negotiations was discussed during the meeting, and the process of the Conference was evaluated.

Cavuşoğlu: “We cannot continue negotiations for a lifetime”

Turkish foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoğlu said yesterday that the Cyprus Conference was a final stage of the Cyprus negotiations, and that talks cannot continue for a lifetime. The minister said, “This should be finalized. If a solution is not reached then the scope of negotiations must change. Then we negotiate for something else.”

Cavusoğlu said that Turkey and the TRNC came to the Conference in order to end the negotiation process by finding a solution, and that they expect the same understanding from the other side.

At a press conference in Crans -Montana, Minister Cavusoğlu said that the Cyprus Conference is not only related to ‘Security and Guarantees’, and that each subject is negotiated in an interrelated way. Cavusoğlu said that they have reiterated many times that they cannot accept zero soldiers and no guarantees.

Answering questions by the press Cavusoğlu added that he does not approve of Eide’s statement that ‘this is the greatest chance, however not the last chance’. He said, “Eide used to say to us that this will be the final conference. He used to say that there is no meaning in continuing after this. In addition, the strategy of carrying on is the Greek Cypriot tactic. They have the elections and they also want to continue unilateral gas explorations in Cyprus. We can see all these strategies therefore if Eide made such a statement we don’t find this to be true.”

Turkish Foreign Ministry refutes claims over negotiations on troops

The Spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hüseyin Müftüoğlu denied the allegations regarding the proposal by the Turkish side at the Cyprus Conference.

In response to questions, Müftüoğlu made a statement and said: “In the ongoing conference on Cyprus in Switzerland, the news regarding withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the island within the framework of the four point proposal and the percentages in these reports are not true.”

Five-party conference held at the Conference on Cyprus

The Five-party conference was held at the Conference on Cyprus in Crans Montana this week. It was reported that the meeting was attended by only the leaders, negotiators and the Foreign Ministers or the representatives of the guarantor countries. The meeting lasted about two hours.

The parties, who attended the five party conference with 6 delegates for the last two days, participated in the conference with 2 delegates yesterday evening.

It was stated that ahead of the participation of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the conference, there was an intense diplomatic traffic to ensure that the Greek Cypriot side takes steps towards political equality and active participation with the aim of the acceleration of the process towards a solution.

The UK offers two proposals towards settlement

The United Kingdom, a guarantor country, offered two proposals at the Cyprus Conference in Crans Montana, Switzerland yesterday, in order to reach a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

According to reports, the proposals consisted of a package understanding covering the entire six chapters in the Cyprus negotiations, followed by a mini package concept that would include the main topics selected from different chapters.

While the Turkish side reported that they are open for proposals, the Greek Cypriot side did not give a response, and asked for time.

UN Secretary General Guterres to attend the Conference on Cyprus today

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres will travel to Crans-Montana today in order to attend the Conference on Cyprus.

Guterres, who is expected to arrive in Crans-Montana in the morning, will attend the first table meeting on the “Security and Guarantees” issue.

7th International Conference on Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing and Management (AHTMM) to be held in TRNC

The 7th International Conference on Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing and Management (AHTMM) will be held on July 10-15 in the TRNC.

The conference, which will be hosted by EMU, will be held with over 100 participants from different countries. EMU Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that AHTMM is among the most well-known international conferences in the field of tourism and hospitality management.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

The Conference on Cyprus, which was organized to find a federal solution based on the equality of the two constituent states for the Cyprus problem began yesterday in Crans-Montana.

The conference, which started in January 2017 and which has been reconvened after 5 months, will be attended by the both sides in Cyprus, as well as the guarantor countries Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom.

President Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades will participate in the conference as well as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Greece Foreign Minister Nikos Kocias and the Acting Director General, Defence and Intelligence at the British Foreign Office Jonathan Allen.

Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans and Special Representative of the EU Commissioner Jean-Claude Juncker`s Personal Representative to the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, Pieter Van Nuffel will represent the EU as an observer country.

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide explained that he would not present the joint document he prepared, and added that the outstanding issues will be discussed at the meeting.

The issues of “Security and Guarantees” will be also discussed on the 2nd desk, where the guarantors are also involved. The “Security and Guarantees” chapter will be discussed again at a political level.

President Mustafa Akıncı, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu met with political party leaders and representatives at the working dinner.

Akıncı gave a briefing about the work of the first day of the conference and exchanged views about today’s work at the dinner.

Çavuşoğlu: “We came here for the solution – this 50 year old problem must be solved”

During the first session of the Cyprus Conference, which began yesterday in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, the Turkish delegation under the chairmanship of the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu presented an ‘integrated approach’ to finding a solution with ‘a historical perspective’.

According to an AA correspondent, Minister Çavuşoğlu gave the message on the first day of the conference, saying: “We came here for a solution – the problem that has been continuing for 50 years must be solved.”

At a time when all issues were addressed simultaneously, Turkey once again emphasized its political will for a “just and lasting” solution on the island.

Eide: “We made a good start”

At a press conference with the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Conference on Cyprus Jeffrey Feltman, the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide said that he saw all attendees were hopeful, and made a fresh, constructive start to talks.

Giving information about the format of the conference, Eide noted that while the issue of “Security and Guarantees” was being discussed at table one, in which all attendees will participate, the other outstanding issues will be discussed at the second table by the negotiators.

Eide also said that the conference will continue along these two parallel levels, as Guterres said. He added that the issue of “Security and Guarantees” is important, but that there are also some uncompromising factors in other issues.

Responding to a question on the length of the conference, Eide said that the parties are determined to stay here until the problem is solved and that the UN is ready to support the process as long as the parties need it.

Eide said that the conference had technical plans to run until 7th July, but that this program could be extended if necessary.

In response to another question regarding the common document, Eide said “the document has not been withdrawn. That’s a wrong expression. We simply concluded that it’s not common. We presented it, it exists, and it is not common. So we are not using it as a common platform.”

“However, the positions that were captured in the document from Mont Pelerin in January and the ideas that had informed the drafting of the document in consultation with all parties, remained available to inform the positions of the sides” he added.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here

Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.

The Cyprus conference will begin again today in the town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland.

The conference, which will be held within the framework of the UN Secretary General’s declaration on 4th June, will start at 10.00 local time. (TRNC time: 11.00)

The conference, which will be attended by the both sides in Cyprus, as well as the guarantor countries Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom, will focus on the issues of “Security and Guarantees” alongside all other issues for which a solution has yet to be reached so far in the Cyprus negotiation process.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kocias, and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson will participate in the conference. Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini will represent the EU as an observer country.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is expected to attend the conference in the following days.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Serdar Denktaş and Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu will be present at the negotiations to be held in Crans-Montana.

Meanwhile, the official opening of the Cyprus Conference was held yesterday evening at the Le Regent Convention Centre in Crans-Montana.

President Mustafa Akıncı, the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Kocias and the UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson attended the meeting. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was also present at the dinner.

Additionally, President Mustafa Akıncı held a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Crans-Montana in order to evaluate the current status of talks before the conference.

Türkeş: The UN has ‘forced’ a meeting in Crans-Montana once again

Discussing the Cyprus Conference to be held in Switzerland, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Tuğrul Türkeş has stated that the UN has ‘forced’ the meeting in Crans-Montana this week.

Türkeş, who is in London said: “I have to use this term again, a meeting will be forcibly held in Crans-Montana by the UN on June 27-28, with a ‘compulsory’ ‘meeting once again.” He continued, “Turkish Cypriot people do not deserve the unfair isolations imposed on them and they need to get rid of these as soon as possible. The politicians in Cyprus, especially the TRNC President, the negotiator and the government, are doing their utmost. Turkey also supports the TRNC. I know that the international press often misrepresents these things. It is clear that Turkey has always lent its support to finding a solution.

The Greek Cypriot side, which unfairly secured EU membership in 2004, sees the Turkish Cypriot people as a minority. This is the problem – it starts here. Our proposal, however, is to facilitate two equal communities, and a new federation state. Turkey supports this. This is the truth. Today’s population rates do not mean anything. However, from time to time, the Western press, especially the European press says so many different things.”

Eide: UN “will not submit a joint document” at the Cyprus Conference.

The United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide has stated that the UN will not present a “joint document” to the parties in the conference.

Eide said at a press conference at the UN Geneva Office that the Cyprus Conference, which will start today, will be the continuation of the conference in Geneva in January.

Eide reiterated the statement of President Mustafa Akıncı at the press conference held the previous day that the conference should be treated as time for “a decision”. Responding to the question, “Are you of the same opinion?” Eide said that this approach is crucial: “we hope that it will be a conference for a decision, for a comprehensive solution that will unite the island.”

UNSG Guterres hails Cyprus Conference ‘opportunity’

The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on all interested parties to consider the opportunity of Cyprus reunification this week.

In his written statement ahead of the Cyprus Conference which will start today in Switzerland, Guterres said that he is pleased that the parties are coming together again for negotiations in Switzerland. He added that this determined step which has been taken by the sides has encouraged him.

Stating that the UN would support this effort, Guterres said, “As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I reiterate my steadfast commitment to supporting this effort. I urge all participants to demonstrate the will and leadership required to conclude a comprehensive settlement.”

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

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